Bills
Paying at the Convenience Store
If your bills aren't automatic, you might receive a letter that looks like the first photo in the mail. Don't worry, it's probably one of your utility bills. If you find yourself with mail looking like the photo, just take it to your nearest convenience store, hand it to the clerk, cough up the money, and the clerk will stamp it and hand you a receipt. And you're done!
If you get the bottom photo, it's a notice/receipt clarifying how much your NEXT bill will cost. Keep these to manage your bills.
*Make sure the letters say YOUR name and not your predecessor's. If you get a bill for your predecessor, please hand it to your supervisor and they should know how to handle it.
Auto Bill Pay
Some of your bills (or most of your bills) will be automatically taken out from your bank. If you're unsure which ones are automatic, ask your supervisor. They most likely set this up with you your first couple of weeks after arriving to Japan. It would also be wise to keep track of your bills by updating your bank book every couple of weeks (or however often). Some companies have online banking. I know Shikoku Bank doesn't have this option.
If you're like me and have loans to pay back in your home country. You might want to take a look at this site. You'll have to sign-up and put in your bank information. You'll also have to verify your address. Click here to see how verification works. It's pretty easy once you get used to it.
Another topic people love and adore. Since most of us live in the countryside, rent is probably dirt cheap or non-existent. The same goes for your utility bills. However, don't let that stop you from managing your finances. Do you ever wonder where a portion of your paycheck goes? Well, here are some tips for you.
Another way to save money, is to start being more eco-friendly! Refuse plastic bags at the store and use your own reusable bags. You can find cheap ones at Daiso. Constantly buying packs of water from the store? Instead, buy a sink filter or a Brita and refill a reusable water bottle! Not only will the Earth thank you, but so will your wallet.
Taxes
If you're an American ALT, you are tax exempt for the first two years in Japan. BUT, only if you've filed the correct paperwork. Refer to your GIH and the IRS website.
If you're not an American, I'm sorry but you have to pay every year. Local taxes are often more expensive than income taxes (in my case, they're twice as much).
So, for example, if I pay ￥70,000 per year in income (national) taxes, I'll pay about ￥130,000 in local taxes. Some Board of Educations (BoEs) will take it out monthly or bimonthly, but others will have you pay a lump sum at the end. Please refer to your pay slip and set aside money just in case.
If you are still confused, try checking out this guide on GaijinPot.